Joe Root's unbeaten 78 and two vital wickets propelled Paarl Royals to an 11-run win over Pretoria Capitals, securing their SA20 playoff spot. Coach Trevor Penny praised Root's on-field and off-field contributions. The Royals' unique strategy of using 20 overs of spin was effective. Captain Rilee Rossouw remained optimistic about the Capitals' playoff chances despite the defeat.
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Australian fast bowler Josh Hazlewood will miss the last two Tests against India. He has a calf strain. Hazlewood is upset about the timing of this injury. He missed the second Test with a side strain. He calls the calf strain random. Scans confirmed the strain. Hazlewood wants to be fit for the Sri Lanka tour.
Railways pacer Himanshu Sangwan surprised the cricket world by dismissing Virat Kohli in a Ranji Trophy match. Kohli, returning to domestic cricket after 12 years, was bowled out by Sangwan's exceptional in-swinger after scoring 6 runs. Sangwan, also a ticket collector at New Delhi Railway Station, celebrated the moment by taking Kohli's autograph on a cricket ball.
Rachin Ravindra shines for New Zealand with a crucial century in the Champions Trophy, showcased his calm approach under pressure. His ability to handle spin, highlighted by his performance in India, will be tested against India's spin-heavy attack in the upcoming match in Dubai. Coach Sriram Krishnamurthy praises Rachin's resilience and mental strength post-injury.
England’s Adil Rashid dismissed Virat Kohli for the 11th time in international cricket during the third ODI in Ahmedabad on Wednesday. Rashid joins Tim Southee and Josh Hazlewood in troubling Kohli the most across all formats. Kohli managed to score his 73rd ODI half-century, while Shubman Gill achieved his seventh ODI century with consecutive fifties.
India's batting woes continued as they suffered a 1-3 series defeat against Australia in the Border Gavaskar Trophy, leading to their elimination from the World Test Championship final race. At the post-match press conference on Sunday in Sydney, India's head oach Gautam Gambhir emphasized the importance of fairness and honesty within the team.
Jasprit Bumrah, recovering from a lower back injury, has resumed bowling at the NCA, raising hopes of his return. The 31-year-old pacer bowled in a video shared online. Bumrah missed Mumbai Indians' first two IPL 2025 matches and will not play against KKR on March 31, but may return by mid-April.
Hardik Pandya expressed his immense joy after India's recent victory, a moment that helped him move past the anguish of the 2017 Champions Trophy final. Over the past eight years, Pandya's career has seen significant highs and lows, but his unwavering focus on the team's success over personal achievements remains constant.
MI Cape Town and Paarl Royals demonstrated strong home performances in the SA20 league, with both teams maintaining perfect records. The upcoming Qualifier 1 at St George's Park will be critical, as both teams face off at a neutral venue. Key players will be absent for the Royals. The Rashid Khan-led side have been the best travellers this season (11 points) including a win at this very ground against Sunrisers Eastern Cape.
Yuzvendra Chahal's exceptional leg-spin propelled Punjab Kings to an improbable victory against Kolkata Knight Riders, defending a meager 111. Chahal's 4/28 triggered a dramatic collapse, as KKR faltered from a comfortable 62/2 to 95 all out. Marco Jansen's crucial wickets sealed the heist, overshadowing Kolkata's earlier dominance with the ball.
India face Australia in the Champions Trophy semi-final in Dubai, with a decision to maintain their successful four-spinner strategy, including the mystery spinner Varun Chakaravarthy, or add a pacer. Australia's selection dilemma includes replacing injured Matt Short. One of India, Australia will face New Zealand or South Africa in the final.